When we drive the car the battery light and engine light comes on, even when it idles. Eventually the battery light will go off and a little while later the check engine light comes on. Every now and then the battery light comes on and goes off, then the check engine light comes and stays on for a few days, and will go off.
I think the car is haunted, not to long ago the motor was replaced with a brand new engine, and the car used to have a system. But it charges alright and starts up just fine and runs fine. Whats up?
Try providing information, such as:
year, model, engine size, transmission (automatic? manual?) mileage, etc.
If your car is NOT a 95:
Go to Autozone
Tell the clerk inside that your check engine light is on, and he will scan it for free.
Obtain the 4digit CODE that he obtains (or codes!) don't rely on his INTERPRETATION.. get THE CODE.
bring the code back here, post it, and that will give us something to start with.
If your car IS a 95:
go to www.contour.org
click on "FAQ" on the left
click on "common problems" and go to "my check engine light is on".
find the instructions on checking your CEL codes with a paper clip.
Also, regardless of year, check your battery and alternator operation with a multimeter/voltmeter
Start the car, measure the voltage on the battery terminals. should be 13.7-14.5 or so. Shut the car off, and drain the "surface charge" by turning the high beams on for 60 seconds. now, with the car off, measure the voltage on the terminals. Should be 12.0 or higher.
yeah im sorry bout that. the car is a 1999 ford contour,with a 2.0 liter DOHC zetec, and an automatic transmission.
thanks and thanks everybody else for all your help, i'll try that.
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